Tortoises can live a very long time, and it
is quite common
for these incredible animals to still be going strong
even as we are slowing
down a bit. Other circumstances can also result in a
need to find a much loved
pet a new home: illness, a house move, a career
change, etc. This can be a very
distressing time as it is not easy pass on
responsibility to someone else,
especially a stranger.

Your tortoise will not be placed at risk
(by mixing with
other species, by being forced to breed if it is
unsuitable, by failing to have
adequate quarantine and hygiene precautions in
place, etc.)

Many people
will gladly take on a tortoise these days, or
may even offer a ‘Rehoming Service’. We urge you to
check their credentials carefully:

How long have they being doing
this?

Can they produce references
from satisfied
users of the service?

Do they have a good track
record?

Do they (or
their organisation) have sufficient expertise to
ensure that incompatible animals are never mixed?

The Tortoise Trust has been rehoming
tortoises and turtles
since 1980. We have successfully rehomed thousands
of animals. We have very strict controls in
place, and
we are recommended by many major organisations and
institutions including zoos,
the Blue Cross and veterinary practices.

If you have any questions about
our rehoming service,
please do not hesitate to contact us. There are NO
FEES whatsoever involved,
either for persons needing new homes, OR for
those adopting. Our sole concern
is to ensure the future welfare of the animal.

There are some things it might
help you to know. It is vital for the health and
welfare of the tortoise(s) involved that we obtain
accurate information as to species, age and sex. The
best way is to have a photograph available for us to
check. We realise that in an emergency situation that
might not be possible. In that case, we may only be
able to offer a temporary home under quarantine
conditions until this has been established. It places
your tortoise at risk of contracting serious
illnesses or even of being attacked and
injured by other tortoises if this
is not done. For more on this see our
article on Companion
Tortoises.